Almost 200 years before the manger scene in Bethlehem, a foreign ruler had seized the land of Israel and mercilessly clamped down on the Hebrew people. The enemy ransacked the Temple and let the light of the menorah (the seven-branched candelabrum) go out. Worshipers of the One True God faced intense persecution and needed relief. They asked, “Who will save us?”

Providentially, a hero stepped up—a priest’s kid named Judah Maccabee. He gathered friends and family to fight the Roman army and miraculously won. Their victory in 165 BC prompted a joyful annual winter holiday feast of rededication to their Heavenly Father. Every year after, if trouble loomed, the annual question arose at the feast... “who will save us?”

When Yeshua attended this winter affair, stories of the Maccabees’ triumph, remembrance of miracles, and talk of the menorah’s light likely filled the air. Sadly, a new tyrannical regime had taken power. Turning to Yeshua one chilly festive night, someone said, “Are you the one?” (John 10:24). Yeshua reminded them of the response He had already given … a resounding YES!

He is the reason for the season and the only One who saves.